Austin Riley Unlikely To Return Until Monday
7 months agoAtlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley (intercostal) is unlikely to play until Monday's series opener against the Washington Nationals. Riley is taking batting practice on Friday, and the Braves are just being extra cautious in keeping the right-handed-hitting slugger out for his 11th straight game. Manager Brian Snitker said he isn't surprised if Riley ends up missing two weeks, and if the team needed somebody to ride the bench, they would have already put him on the injured list. The 27-year-old suffered a left-intercostal strain on May 12 against the New York Mets and hasn't played since, although it still sounds like he won't go on the IL. Until Riley returns, Zack Short should continue to play the hot corner in Atlanta, although new signee Joey Wendle could also be an option there. Riley was hitting .245/.319/.388 with three homers, eight doubles and 18 RBI in 163 plate appearances before his injury.
Source: MLB.com - Mark Bowman
Source: MLB.com - Mark Bowman